PSA: Nike Mamba Instinct
Written by schwollo
Hey look it even curls up like a snake. This was not difficult to do at all straight out of the box with the insole inside. Imagine as the insole breaks down more and more.
I’m almost done with my Mamba Instinct review but I just wanted to share this tidbit first.
If you are in need of midfoot or torsional support, do not buy the Instinct. I bought the Instinct because I liked how it looked and Nike raised the walls on the insole which is pretty much why I passed on most drop in insole shoes. Well now I have another reason as seen above.
No injuries to report or anything and I don’t think many people will even notice this issue but if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, this isn’t the the shoe for you. I was curious how Nike could sell a shoe for $100 and make it almost the same as the $140 Kobe 8 and I guess we know where the cost cutting came. A little shank or a firmer thicker shell would have done the trick.
Other than the ultra flexibility (which some may like), the rest of the shoe is pretty good. Hope to have the review done this week.
schwollo.com 
This is irrelevant to the shoe, but can you do a review on some good insoles (for example sofsole) as well as equipment like compression sleeves?
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I would if I actually used after market insoles. Don’t use compression sleeves either sorry !
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The last Kobes curls up just like that but with the insole in, this one is something new. Apart from that the overall look of the Instinct is very nice. I will patiently wait for your final verdict-review!
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Haha yea it doesn’t bother me but something that shouldn’t be overlooked.
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I remember back in the day when Professor K from Kicksology did a review on a shoe that folded up like that. And this was in the early 2000s when shoes had built in midsoles and drop ins weren’t even a thing yet lol these instincts look nice though.
Went into the store yesterday to try on the Dame 3s. Had to play around with the lacing system but I finally got it and man are they nice bro. Didn’t buy because I’m debating between these and the black cat 13s. 13s are some of my grails. And all black shoes are so sexy lol just wondering if you had any thoughts or opinions on hooping in 13s and in mostly suede/nubuck uppers?
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I personally didn’t like the xiii because of some clunkiness due to outriggers and traction was only ok for me. I’d buy the 13 if it’s a grail, Lillards arent going anywhere. Even academy.com a localish shop has them. Nubuck is ok to play in but suede stretches more which is a bad thing imo
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Oh just got my Dame 3 so I’ll give you a better assessment later this week. Feels similar to Lillard 2 but lower to ground in forefoot. Still fiddling with the laces though . Rearmost works best for me lol
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I hope they keep the Instinct/Mentality line going – it is a great budget alternative to the Kobe line. Just got the Mentality 2 since there have been some great deals – I really like the shoe thus far (traction is great) except the front does not flex all that well due to some extra materials around the end of the laces near the toes. From the other user reviews online it seems like the shoe would rip a lot in this area and from what I understand they addressed it with the new Instinct version.
Schwollo – can you also advise on whether you can fit the Lebron 11 insole into the Instinct shoes?
I swapped the Lebron 11 insole cushioning into the Mentality 2 and the cushioning is great but I am not sure I like the switch better. The LeBron insole raises up your foot so my toes are starting to bang up against the reinforced edges of the shoe (and this is happening even though I went up half a size). For the Mentality 2 I would say the Lunarlon works better (maybe after it bottoms out I might change my mind).
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I’ll try swapping the Mentality 2 (bought to compare) with the Instinct and see how it goes. I have no idea where my Lebron XI are lol
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I tried to put the LeBron 11 midsoles on the mentality 2 and it raised my foot and lost some heel containment. And they felt tighter. I hope they’re much better on the Instinct.
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I don’t know where my
Lebron XIs are but I swapped the Mentality 2 with the instincts and they fit the same
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So I’m guessing you’ll have the same issue as you had with the Mentality
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Swapped out the Mentality 2 insole into the Instinct and they fit the same so I’m going to assume you’ll have the same problem putting the XI insole into the Instinct
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Wow those are crazy. Bends like a rubber band. Thanks for the review.
Also, here are a few shoes I am wondering if you are going to review:
Jordan Melo M13( look great other than traction looks sketchy.)
Nike Lebron 14
Nike Lebron Ambassador 9 (kixify 125$ plus pricey tax, but awesome shoes apparently)
Adidas Crazy Explosive Low ( wondering if they fixed anything, like the peeling outsole)
Adidas Dame 3
Nike Zoom Rev 17 (very interested to see if it performs as well as last years model)
Nike zoom Live 17
Thanks
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No melo, looks like it will perform like last year but with worse traction
Lebron 14 yes
Ambasssdor no
CE low undecided depends on looks (vain I know)
Dame 3 just got them
Zoom rev or live not until they hit fifty bucks or less .
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Ok thanks
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Alright! Cant wait for the dame 3 review 😀 great work man
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As per first reviews Ambasssdor has one of the best tractions outhere. Tempting enough :D?
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Haha I read nyjumpmans review. Tempting but still not enough to make me bite lol
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Will I be about to take out the mid sole and put in my orthotics or will I have to put up it ontop?
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You’d have to take it out or get a way bigger size to make it fit. The insole is the midsole so you’d have no cushioning otherwise
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